Nigerian Dwarf Goat Kidding Question

I have several NDGs. This is my first time with any of them kidding. Two of my does have head heavy discharge and several of the other "signs" that I have read online. However, it has been more than 24 hours since the discharge .. and no Kids! Everywhere I read online states that they will kid within 8 hours of the discharge. They are both still very dialated, bunked down in the barn, and heavy breathing.

They are eating, walking, no distress -- however they are not progressing into full blown labor..

Discharge can differ. Any sign of pushing yet? Hope you have small hands in case you need to turn. They are tight in there if you need to find a leg or head do it at the very start of exiting. We found a head and front foot means we are pulling them out(by the nape and leg). Eat before; you may be there awhile. OB gel, scissors,floss, and iodine, towels. If the head and both feet are sticking out remove the membrane away from the face to allow drainage from nose.

Watch for the udder to fill and it will fill! The skin will get tight to the point of shiny. We had discharge a month before freshening... I looked at my doe one day at feeding time for the normal signs and she was eating fine and showed no sign of giving birth then five minutes later she had hooves sticking out. The only thing that I noticed for sure was the size of her udder. It changed over night!

Guess wether you should be worried or not depends on the discharge. Is it amber and stringy? If it is...and you don't have kids...then yes you likely have a problem. I'm guessing though that it's a slight discharge...and that you're close and just not there yet.

I've had does act as you've described for a couple WEEKS. They'll keep you on your toes guessing.

I imagine it is just regular plugging(for lubrication). Plugging ussually happens up to two weeks before kidding on most of my Nigies(sometimes longer). IMO the more the better! It makes for an easier kidding.

When is their due date? I have been presant for all but one of my girls kiddings and had a doe go past her due date for the first time ever last year. She went to day 157.(the day before my B-day) I know it is nerve racking to wait! Have the does kidded before? Some smart does with experience that thrive on attention alone will fake labor pains and other "signs" for special attention. Those rascals!

There are a lot of things that you can look for, and not a one of them is fool proof. Be Patient and watch for signs of distress. If you think there might be a problem and you can afford it have a vet do an ultra-sound. Watch for labored breathing and check her eyelids and gums for good color. If she appears healthy she probably is. My wife and I fretted for over a month with out first one and now we only worry for 3 weeks....